Frequently-Asked Questions
Does Islam Forbid Befriending Non-Muslims?
Submitted by MSA on Thu, 03/15/2007 - 2:19am. Frequently-Asked QuestionsQuestion
Does the following verse: [O ye who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians for your friends and protectors: They are but friends and protectors to each other. And he amongst you that turns to them (for friendship) is of them. Verily God guideth not a people unjust.] (Al-Ma’dah 5: 51)
Does it mean that Jews and Christians cannot be our friends? And if so, why does Islam allow us to marry Christian and Jewish girls (despite the fact they might not want to change their religion.)?
ISRA AND MIRAJ Q&A
Submitted by Webmaster on Mon, 08/21/2006 - 4:33pm. Frequently-Asked QuestionsQ: What is Isra and Miraj?
A: It is the Night Journey and the Ascension, which occurred on the 27th day of Rajab, the seventh month of the Muslim lunar calendar.
Q: What is the significance of Isra and Miraj?
A: The Prophet Muhammad made a miraculous journey from Mecca to the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem in 621 C.E. He then traveled to the heavens where God commanded him to initiate prayers five times each day.
Q: What was the significance of the occasion in early Islamic history?
A: To Muslims, the event solidified their belief in the prophethood of Muhammad, who was bestowed with a miracle from God. The event also established Jerusalem as a holy place for Muslims, with its centerpiece Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Q: What does the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad say about the significance of al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem?
A: Before Muslims turned their faces toward Mecca in prayer they turned to Jerusalem. Prophet Muhammad said that visiting al-Aqsa mosque is a religious practice only comparable to the pilgrimage to Mecca. The Prophet also stated that a prayer in al-Aqsa mosque is multiplied 500 times.
Q: Why do Muslims educate their children and communities about Isra and Miraj?
A: To remember the genesis of the most important duty in Muslim life: the daily prayer; and to remember the significance God has placed on Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque.
Q&A: Abuse of Women's Rights
Submitted by Webmaster on Sun, 06/04/2006 - 12:35am. Frequently-Asked QuestionsQuestion: I don't understand how Islam can give all these rights to women and then place the man as the head of the household in a position to abuse the woman's rights. For instance, how can she hold on to her personal wealth if he tells her to hand it over?
Does the Quraan Teach Violence?
Submitted by Webmaster on Sun, 02/05/2006 - 8:06pm. Frequently-Asked QuestionsQuestion
I hope you scholars will help me get rid of these confusions I have been having since the Sept 11 incident, especially as regards some Qur’anic verses. These verses totally contradict what Muslims say that their religion calls for peace and denounces violence. Mind you, though not a Muslim, but I don’t hate Muslims. I just need shedding light on some issues. How would you interpret a verse like this (And slay them wherever ye catch them…)? (Al-Baqarah 2: 191) and (…But if they turn away, seize them and slay them wherever ye find them; and (in any case) take no friends or helpers from their ranks) (An-Nisaa' 4: 89) I will really appreciate your quick reply.
